1
as in thrill
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings
the lavish spectacle results in one exhilaration after another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ecstasy
a state of overwhelming usually pleasurable emotion
the exhilaration of victory that spectators get to witness at the Olympic Games
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exhilaration
An undated beach photograph of hers shows three women perched along the edge of the waves, exhilaration visible in their posture even as their faces are turned from the camera.
—
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
There’s no distance between the audience and the terror, humor, exhilaration, and poignancy that alternate throughout Coogler‘s audacious horror movie.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Nov. 2025
With arrangements that strategically pull instruments in and out to evoke vivid imagery, the song unfolds with dramatic twists while maintaining a sense of musical exhilaration.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
That rush—the mix of precision, danger, and raw exhilaration—stays with you.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025
There’s no distance between the audience and the terror, humor, exhilaration, and poignancy that alternate throughout Coogler‘s audacious horror movie.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 13 Nov. 2025
With arrangements that strategically pull instruments in and out to evoke vivid imagery, the song unfolds with dramatic twists while maintaining a sense of musical exhilaration.
—Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
That rush—the mix of precision, danger, and raw exhilaration—stays with you.
—Tony Bradley, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exhilaration
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exhilaration
Noun
-
More advanced skiers and snowboarders can seek their thrills in Huckleberry Bowl near the resort’s summit, famous for deep powder in its ungroomed areas.—
Mark Billingsley,
Sacbee.com,
9 Jan. 2026
-
An overreliance on tools weakens our civilization (and saps the film’s dramatic thrills).—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There can be an ecstasy in work—not just the taste of bread, but also the odor of roses.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Jan. 2026
-
And having rolled your eyes in ecstasy at the solid then—abruptly—molten Modica chocolate pudding, edge into the cigar lounge or nurse a Tasca D’Almerita red on a terrace wrapped in cashmere and flickering lanterns.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For those who love the chicken with a little kick, this creamy, extra flavorful casserole will win over anyone at the table.—
Nellah Bailey McGough,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Add a pinch of cayenne, cumin, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty, savory twist that gives your morning a flavorful kick.—
Lauren O'Connor,
Health,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Thus, Edward’s choice of ring sweetly honors the couple’s half-decade of dating before getting engaged, the joy of their betrothal, and their hope for their future together.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Though Sadie hasn’t made a basket yet, Whittington says her daughter’s joy and encouragement are far more meaningful than any points on the scoreboard.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
How, at 74, the three veteran EWF-ers – bassist Verdine White, percussionist Ralph Johnson and singer Philip Bailey – still derive energy and elation from sharing their gifts with adoring crowds.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
14 Dec. 2025
-
Norwell has felt the heartbreak and the elation that playing in a state final can bring.—
Greg Dudek,
Boston Herald,
23 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
In fact, the United States’ economic competitiveness—not to mention the happiness of its citizenry—ranks below many countries that work much fewer hours, including Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Netherlands, and Norway.—
Joe O’Connor,
Time,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Studies have shown that WhatsApp users are more likely to express both happiness and sadness on the platform than on other, more public-facing apps, like X or Instagram.—
Sam Knight,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Wall Street motored higher through a remarkably calm summer thanks to euphoria around artificial-intelligence technology and strong profit reports from companies.—
Stan Choe,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Jan. 2026
-
Tripped up The euphoria of a series win over the Dodgers doesn’t last.—
Jeff Sanders,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The Spirit Resonance is a gift of heavens, a natural talent one is born with.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Dec. 2025
-
Holt McCallany has been cast in a recurring guest role as the legendary Titan, also known as the Bearer of Heaven, who was condemned by Zeus to hold up the celestial heavens after the last Titan war against the Olympians.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
22 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Exhilaration.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exhilaration. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
